Kasey Shepherd chipped in 17 points for Louisiana (10-5, 1-1 Sun Belt), which also received 12 points from both Elfrid Payton and Xavian Rimmer. Payton also handed out seven assists and swiped three steals.

Lonnie McClanahan poured in a game-high 27 points for the Mavericks (6-10, 1-3) on 8-of-17 shooting from the floor. Brandon Edwards contributed 10 points while Brandon Williams posted eight points and eight boards in UTA's third loss in four outings.

The Ragin' Cajuns took a 45-27 lead into the intermission after they knocked down 41.9 percent of their field goal tries and converted 14-of-19 attempts at the free-throw line in the opening 20 minutes of action. UTA did not attempt a free throw and hit on just 36.4 percent of its shots from the floor in the first half.

Louisiana sank 50 percent of its field goal attempts and made 17-of-20 at the charity stripe in the second period to keep the visitors at bay.

The Mavericks were outscored, 27-15, from beyond the arc and 31-17 at the free-throw line in the contest.